Category: Wise Giving Wednesday

  • Wise Giving Wednesday: A Look Inside Our Charity Evaluation Process

    Wise Giving Wednesday: A Look Inside Our Charity Evaluation Process

    Curious how charities get evaluated by BBB Wise Giving Alliance? This behind-the-scenes look at our collaborative, standards-based process reveals how we work with charitable organizations to build transparency and public trust.

    How We Begin: Reaching Out to Charities

    At BBB Wise Giving Alliance, we believe our relationships and communications with charities set us apart. Our process begins with a request letter from an analyst to a charity asking that they complete our online questionnaire form. This form asks charities to voluntarily submit information on their governance, financial, self-reporting, and fundraising practices. We reach out to charities we’ve previously evaluated to update their report once every two years, and request information from new charities based on public inquiry as they come up. Often charities come to us to be evaluated and we also give charities that have declined participation in the past a new opportunity to submit information each year. 

    The Review Process: Dialogue, Drafts, and Transparency

    Once the form has been submitted, the analyst completes an initial evaluation and reaches out with a draft report explaining which standards are met, which are not, or if we need additional information to make a determination. Analysts also provide a letter outlining unmet or findings we are unable to verify yet. Staff members will explain not only why a standard is not met but also what can be done to amend an initial finding. We frequently need clarification or specifics or need materials such as fundraising appeals.

    Working With Charities to Demonstrate Their Trustworthiness

    Each evaluative report usually takes a good deal of communication between BBB WGA and the charity. While this relationship and personal attention to each review can hopefully enable charities to meet all 20 Standards for Charity Accountability, more importantly we hope to help donors make wise giving choices and aid in developing charity accountability and trust. When a charity is found to meet the 20 Charity Standards, they are considered a BBB Accredited Charity. 

    Why This Matters: Building Donor Trust Through Accountability

    Our holistic, standards-based approach to evaluation covers many of the most crucial measures that are important to donors and we hope are just as important to charities. We look for truthfulness and clarity in solicitation materials, verify that financial statements are accurate and that fundraising and program expense ratios fall within our specified range, and examine the practices of the governing board. We also request and examine information on privacy, effectiveness, and charity website disclosures.

    All Evaluations Are Free and Accessible to the Public at Give.org

    All BBB WGA charity evaluations are completed free of charge and can be found at Give.org. Donors can browse our A-Z list of national charities, and search thousands of charity reports while filtering charities by state, cause area, and accreditation status. In addition, on Give.org donors can find valuable wise giving tips, in-depth explanations on charity cause areas and stay up to date on donor advice and news via weekly Wise Giving Wednesday posts. 
     

    Recent Reports

    We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

    Finally, remember to let us know by going to give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.

  • Wise Giving Wednesday: Support Mental Health This May

    Wise Giving Wednesday: Support Mental Health This May

    This May, during Mental Health Awareness Month, we invite you to turn awareness into action by supporting trusted charities helping those impacted by mental health challenges.

    Understanding the Mental Health Crisis in America

    For over 75 years, May has been National Mental Health Awareness Month, conceived to raise awareness and educate the public about mental health. This year’s theme is “Turning Awareness into Action,” emphasizing improving mental health through engaging communities.

    According to the CDC, over 49,000 people died by suicide in 2023, or approximately one death every 11 minutes. According to the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation, close to 1 in 5 American adults experience mental illness every year and a disproportionate number of those deaths were among men and the elderly. Studies also show that veterans are commonly 1.5 times higher than non-veterans.

    Most people know of friends, family members or coworkers or others suffering from mental health issues such as:

    • Addiction
    • ADHC
    • Depression
    • Anxiety
    • Autism
    • Eating disorders
    • Bipolar disorder
    • Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
    • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
    • Personality disorders

    Over 20% of children are either currently or will at some point experience a seriously debilitating mental disorder. However, the Department of Education recently confirmed $1 billion in cuts to school mental health grants citing a conflict of priorities. Newsweek reported that there may also be cuts to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth. According to a 2024 national survey by the Trevor Project, a nonprofit dedicated to suicide and crisis prevention among LGBTQ+ youth, 39% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year.

    Support Trusted Mental Health Charities

    When considering giving to charities supporting mental health, look for accredited charities that meet all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability. Below we have listed some of these groups to consider helping:

    • Brain and Behavior Research Foundation (NARSAD), which operates a grant program funding scientific research into causes, cures, and prevention of mental illness such as depression schizophrenia, anxiety, autism, bipolar disorder, OCD and PTSD.
    • Mental Health America works to promote mental health as a part of overall wellness and includes prevention services, early identification and intervention, and integrated care services through advocacy, education, and research.
    • NAMI works to build better lives for those with mental illness through advocacy, awareness, education, and research. NAMI volunteers oversee peer-led education programs, skills training, and support sessions to community members.
    • Wounded Warrior Project provides free programs and services such as outdoor rehabilitative retreats, peer support, and professional services to aid wounded veterans and service members. The organization also offers financial education, employment assistance, and benefits assistance.

    If you or someone you know is at risk for suicide, please seek help immediately by calling the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit 988 Lifeline.


    Recent Reports

    We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

    Finally, remember to let us know by going to give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.

  • Wise Giving Wednesday: Why Volunteer Time Is More Valuable Than Ever

    Wise Giving Wednesday: Why Volunteer Time Is More Valuable Than Ever

    As the dollar value of volunteer time reaches new heights, now is the perfect moment to explore how giving your time can make a real difference—for communities and for yourself.

    New Data Highlights Growing Worth of Volunteer Time

    According to a report by Independent Sector and the Do Good Institute at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy, the value of an hour of volunteer time rose to $39.79 in 2024, up 3.9% from 2023. This average, which includes all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, shows that three states (Massachusetts, Washington State, and California) and DC topped the $40 per hour mark. The data is based on the annual average hourly earnings estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

    Thinking About Volunteering? Here’s How to Begin

    Beyond supporting causes you care about, volunteerism can provide personal satisfaction as well as opportunities to build and strengthen communities. With warmer weather and spring in full swing, it’s a great time to get out and volunteer. Here are a few tips to get you started:

    • Pick a cause you care about. If you’re a nature lover, ask around about environmental organizations in your area. If you’d love to help animals, most communities will have shelters in need of volunteers.
    • Ask what is needed. Find out what charities need most and let them know your professional skills for the best fit. Avoiding duplication of efforts is another factor charities must consider when accepting new volunteers.
    • Keep an open mind. Remember that a charity might not ask you to do exactly what you want to do. Feel free to communicate your preferences, but try to be helpful and understanding as your role may change as you get more experience.
    • Start small. Committing just a few hours per month would be a good start and will let you see if the volunteer opportunity you’ve chosen is a good fit. You don’t want to commit to more hours than you can handle or waste the precious time of charity staff members trying to train, coordinate and meet program demands.
    • Visit give.org and verify that the charity you’re considering helping meets all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.

    Recent Reports

    We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

    Finally, remember to let us know by going to give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.

  • Wise Giving Wednesday: Donate to Trusted Environmental Charities for Earth Day and Beyond

    Wise Giving Wednesday: Donate to Trusted Environmental Charities for Earth Day and Beyond

    As we reflect on Earth Day, we’re reminded of the essential role that environmental charities play — and how important it is to give wisely.

    The Legacy of Earth Day and the Rise of Environmental Giving

    The first Earth Day took place fifty-five years ago, on April 22, 1970, the brainchild of Gaylord Nelson, former US Senator and Governor of Wisconsin. Nelson was motivated by his 1969 visit to the site of major oil in Santa Barbara, California, the largest in the US at that time. Originally conceived as a day for teachers to have a conversation with students about the environment, Earth Day is considered influential in creating the Environmental Protection Agency as well as legislation such as the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts.

    On this 55th Anniversary of Earth Day we are reminded of the important part environmental charities play in addressing a host of issues, from natural resource conservation and climate change to environmental education and wildlife protection. According to Giving USA’s 2023 Annual Report on Philanthropy, $21.20 billion of total US donations went to environmental and animal groups in 2023, which was an 8.2% increase from 2022.

    Tips for Evaluating Environmental Charities Before You Give

    Before making a donation this Earth Day, take a moment to vet environmental charities using these wise giving tips:

    • Decide What Type of Environmental Charity to Support: Environmental organizations vary widely in focus — from climate advocacy and conservation to wildlife protection, environmental justice, and education. Think about which area aligns most with your values, and learn more about these categories on our Environmental Charities Cause page.
    • Learn About the Charity’s Work: Before giving, take time to explore a charity’s annual reports, website, and recent initiatives. Look for specific examples of their work and achievements. You can also find an objective description of each charity’s mission and programs on their Give.org report.
    • Verify the Charity’s Trustworthiness: Visit Give.org to see if the charity meets the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability. These standards assess transparency, governance, and financial responsibility — giving you added confidence in your choice.

    Trusted Environmental Charities to Support for Earth Day and Beyond

    The following national charities have been evaluated and meet all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability — giving you added confidence as you choose where to give. Click any of the charity names below to view its BBB Accredited Charity Report.

     


    Recent Reports

    We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

    Finally, remember to let us know by going to give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.

  • Wise Giving Wednesday:  Old and Young Perspectives on Charity Impact

    Wise Giving Wednesday: Old and Young Perspectives on Charity Impact

    Older and younger Americans differ on their method of philanthropic engagement. A 2024 Bank of America Private Bank Study of Wealthy Americans produced in conjunction with marketing firm Escalent, highlights findings from a survey of over 1,000 respondents with over $3 million of investable assets. The survey respondents were broken down into two age categories: children (ages 21-43) and parents (ages 44+). One key takeaway was that, regardless of age category, 68% of respondents were focused on long-term impact.

    Our own Donor Trust Special Report: Public Eye on Charity Accountability surveyed more than 2,100 adults in the United States.  Respondents attributed relatively high importance to a charity’s long-term results as compared to immediate results.  Long-term results were deemed highly important (9 or 10 on a 10-point scale) by 46% of respondents overall and ranged from 37% of Gen Z respondents to 48% of Boomers.

    Of the five generations surveyed (Millennials, Gen Z, Gen X, Boomers, and Matures), Millennial (76%) and Gen Z (76%) participants were most confident, saying they knew the meaning of charity impact. We also found that wealthier participants were more likely to report knowing the meaning of charity impact. 77% of those making $200K or more per year believed they knew what charity impact was but only 65% of those making under $70K felt the same.  However, younger participants and wealthier participants were also more divided when asked to choose among the following definitions of charity impact: overall change in outcome brought by the charity’s programs, achievement numbers, quality of programs, reaching defined goals, and efficient spending.

    Regardless of age, wealth or other demographic group, we encourage donors to think about charity impact when giving. Browse charity websites, read annual reports, and examine fundraising materials to look for specifics about what the organization is accomplishing year over year to make better giving choices. While there isn’t one best way to define charity impact, quality information on programs, achievements, goals, and spending are all important factors, all of which are addressed by our standards. And we’re here to answer questions. As always, visit Give.org and look for BBB Accredited Charities (i.e., those that meet all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability) before you give.


    Heart of Giving – Passing the Torch – Leadership Change at BBB Wise Giving Alliance

    This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features a unique episode. Roles are reversed as our new President and CEO, Bennett Weiner, interviews the organization’s former leader, Art Taylor, who now serves as President & CEO of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.


    Recent Reports

    We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

    Finally, remember to let us know by going to give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.

  • Wise Giving Wednesday: Homelessness Is Rising—Here’s How You Can Help Responsibly

    Wise Giving Wednesday: Homelessness Is Rising—Here’s How You Can Help Responsibly

    Homelessness in the United States has reached record levels, and while the causes are complex, donors can still make a real difference by giving wisely.

    Understanding the Rise in Homelessness

    According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2024 Annual Homelessness Report to Congress, 23 of every 10,000 people in the United States experienced at least one night in a shelter, transitional housing program, unsheltered location, or safe haven in 2024. The report lists the lack of affordable housing, high inflation, and stagnant wages as contributing factors. These 771,480 people represent the highest total ever recorded. Natural disasters, public health issues, the reduction in the number of homelessness prevention programs during COVID-19, and the end of expanded child tax credit have all exacerbated the problem. 

    Who Is Most Affected by Homelessness Today?

    The report also specifies that record homelessness occurred among the chronic homeless and unaccompanied youth. There have been dramatic increases in homelessness among those in families with children, up 39% between 2023 and 2024. People identifying as Black, African American, or African represented 32% of the homeless but only 12% of the total population. Older Americans were also hit hard too, with over 104,000 of those between 55-64 experiencing homelessness in 2024 and 42,150 over 64.

    How Donors Can Support the Unhoused Wisely

    With so many contributing factors, it’s hard to imagine ever being able to completely “solve” homelessness or help all of the unhoused. But there are thousands of organizations, national, regional, and local, that will continue to “fight the good fight” and provide shelter and improved living situations for those with no roof over their head. Hopefully, we’ll always have donors willing to help. Below are a few ideas to consider when giving to those helping the unhoused:

    • Support National Charities with Broad Reach: While most major areas have a number of independent homeless shelters, there are also national charities that address homeless needs. For example, The Salvation Army offers shelter and basic necessities to the homeless, the National Council of the U.S. Society of St. Vincent de Paul works to prevent homelessness and assist with rental payments, American Red Cross helps people left homeless due to fires and disasters, and Habitat for Humanity helps provide affordable housing to families in need. To learn more about homeless programs in your community, contact the local and/or regional affiliates of these charities.
    • Engage with Local Homeless Shelters: Reach out to your local homeless shelters to find out their specific needs to avoid duplication of efforts. Many shelters may need cash more than volunteers or in-kind goods.
    • Ask Around and Tap Community Knowledge: Ask around. Friends and neighbors can be good resources to find out which local groups are especially helpful.
    • Give to Trustworthy Charities: Visit Give.org to see if the charity meets the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability (i.e., a BBB Accredited Charity). If a BBB charity report is not available on a shelter, review the organization’s website for additional details about its services, needs, and achievements.

    Heart of Giving Podcast – David Rhode on Building Effective Nonprofit Leadership

    This week on The Heart of Giving Podcast, David Rhode, author of “Passion Isn’t Enough,” shares practical insights from his journey from founding Pitchin’ for Baseball and Softball to consulting with nonprofit leaders.

    Explore Three of Our Latest Reports

    We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

    Finally, remember to let us know by going to give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.

  • Wise Giving Wednesday: Spring Cleaning? Here’s How to Donate Goods Wisely

    Wise Giving Wednesday: Spring Cleaning? Here’s How to Donate Goods Wisely

    Spring is here—and with it comes the urge to declutter. Learn to turn your spring cleaning into meaningful giving.

    Why Spring Is a Great Time to Give

    For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, the first day of spring was March 20th.  As we seek courage to clean our closets and consider making in-kind donations to charities of the things we don’t use or no longer fit, consider these tips to help avoid being disappointed in how these contributions are used.

    Tips for Smarter Spring Donations

    • Donate or discard? Don’t assume that charities will accept all second-hand items. Usually, they are looking for items in “good” condition. Ripped sweatshirts or torn pants will likely be rejected. If uncertain about what the charity will accept, contact them before making the gift.
    • Should you use collection bins? Most metropolitan areas have a variety of collection bins scattered throughout the community that welcome donated clothing. Don’t assume all of them are connected to charity. Be wary of names you don’t know or are similar to ones you do. In some cases, a bin may belong to a for-profit company. Take the time to check out the charity name that appears on the bin with Give.org or BBB.org to verify if they meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.
    • How will donated items be used? Don’t assume all donated used goods are distributed to the needy. Sometimes they end up in a charity thrift store to generate revenue for the organization. Or some may sell items to a third party to be converted into rag bond paper. Visit the charity’s website to find out how they intend to use donated clothing.
    • What about collection trucks? Another possibility is that a charity may contact you by phone, email, or a flyer notice, and ask that you set out goods for collection on a specified date. If so, contact the charity to find out how they will benefit. In some instances, a third-party picks up the donated goods and the identified charity only gets a flat fee for each pick-up no matter what is included.
    • How much is deductible? Some donors mistakenly believe the charity will assign values to the goods you donate. Actually, it is your responsibility to ensure that you are properly valuing these gifts. One potential reference is to visit a charity thrift store to identify the typical prices of similar items. For any non-cash contributions totaling over $500, you will need to complete and attach IRS Form 8283 to your next tax return. For more deductibility information, consult an accountant and/or go to:  IRS Publication 526: Charitable Contributions.

    Heart of Giving Podcast – Dan Porterfield, Robert Diggs & Markera Jones on Redefining Talent in Higher Education (Part 2)

    This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features Part 2 of a program that continues a conversation with Aspen Institute CEO and Former Franklin & Marshall College President – Dan Porterfield. He is joined by F&M alums Robert Diggs and Markera Jones, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist. They discuss the transformative power of higher education. 

    Explore Three of Our Latest Reports

    We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

    Finally, remember to let us know by going to give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.

  • Wise Giving Wednesday: Supporting Food Banks Impacted by Federal Funding Cuts

    Wise Giving Wednesday: Supporting Food Banks Impacted by Federal Funding Cuts

    Recent federal cuts in funding to key food assistance programs are putting added pressure on food banks already navigating inflation, fundraising challenges, and increased demand.

    Why Food Banks Are Under Pressure Right Now

    Food banks across the country are scrambling as $1 billion in federal funding has been either cut or canceled. USDA canceled funding to the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program, which supplies about $500 million per year to food banks, schools, and organizations in underserved communities. Additionally, USDA has paused another $500 million in funding for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) while under review.  These cuts, whether permanent or temporary, add another layer of stress to food banks already taxed by high inflation and low fundraising income. Many food banks are expecting to be able to offer less produce, meat, cheese, milk, and other staples.

    While the extent of any funding starts, stops or cuts is hard to predict, charities need consistent funding to do their work. Cuts or even supply chain disruption to these charities jeopardizes deliveries of hundreds of thousands of pounds of food, affecting those reliant on the food from the pantries but also the local farmers who rely on the income.

    How You Can Help Food Banks Meet Rising Needs

    According to a 2023 Feeding America study, one in every six Americans was helped by food banks, a 38% increase from 2021. With so much uncertainly, charities and donors are needed to help fill in shortages. Here are some ways you can help:
    • Visit Feeding America (a BBB Accredited Charity) to help locate a food bank near you.
    • Before you give to a food pantry, reach out to find out what they need. While in-kind gifts may be appreciated, with funding cuts, many organizations also will need cash donations for food procurement or to “keep the lights on.”
    • Check out charity reports on Give.org to see if your area food bank meets our 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.

    Heart of Giving Podcast: Dan Porterfield & Robert Diggs on Redefining Talent in Higher Education

    This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features Part 1 of a program that includes Aspen Institute CEO and Former Franklin & Marshall College President – Dan Porterfield. He discusses his book “Mindset Matters” which explores how colleges can nurture talent in students from all backgrounds. He is joined by F&M alum Robert Diggs discussing the transformative power of higher education. 


    Explore Three of Our Latest Reports

    We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

    Finally, remember to let us know by going to give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.

  • Wise Giving Wednesday: How to Help Communities Affected by Last Week’s Powerful Storms

    Wise Giving Wednesday: How to Help Communities Affected by Last Week’s Powerful Storms

    In the wake of last week’s devastating storms, many communities are facing immense challenges. If you’re looking to help, here are some tips to make sure your donations make a difference.

    The Impact of the Storms

    Late last week and into the weekend, a deadly storm struck at least seven states including Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Alabama, and Mississippi, leaving a trail of destruction and over 40 deaths. The system caused wildfires, dust storms and violent tornadoes, including several categorized in EF4 range with winds at 170 miles per hour or more in the towns of Larkin and Diaz, Arkansas and near Tylertown, Mississippi. Destruction of homes and property as well as the loss of life were accompanied by power outages estimated in the hundreds of thousands in the region.

    Wise Giving Tips for Disaster Relief Donations

    If you would like to help, BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following tips to help ensure your donations are assisting those impacted by the storms:

    1. 1. Find out what needs the charity is addressing. In the case of large-scale property destruction, many communities will need shelter and clean up, so review the charity’s website to identify what activities they carry out.
    2. 2. Remember sustained giving. Too often, people donate to charities in the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster. However, sustained support is often just as important. Rebuilding doesn’t happen overnight. You can learn more about the different phases of disaster relief here
    3. 3. Be cautious about in-kind gifts. Donations of food or clothing are well-meaning, but if you intend to give in-kind donations, look for organizations with the ability to distribute them. Reach out to charities and ask if they can accept your gift and if they have transportation and access to the affected areas.
    4. 4. Verify the trustworthiness of charities. We recommend giving to charities that meet all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability (i.e., BBB Accredited Charities.). Visit Give.org to search for trustworthy charities, review their reports and for more giving tips.

    Trusted Charities Providing Storm Relief

    The following BBB Accredited Charities (i.e., meet 20 BBB Charity Standards) are engaged in relief activities for the recent storms:


    Heart of Giving Podcast: Ben Erwin on Moving Beyond Traditional Fundraising

    This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features Ben Erwin, CEO of Charity Buzz. Ben reveals how his organization has transformed fundraising by creating a marketplace for unique experiences that benefits charities of all sizes.


    Explore Three of Our Latest Reports

    We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

    Finally, remember to let us know by going to give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.

  • Wise Giving Wednesday: Helping Charities Impacted by Government Funding Changes

    Wise Giving Wednesday: Helping Charities Impacted by Government Funding Changes

    Government Funding Cutbacks Impact on Charities

    As has been widely reported, there have been significant cutbacks on funding from federal government agencies. These cuts affect a variety of charitable organizations. In the case of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), nearly all funds are frozen. For the National Institutes of Health (NIH), indirect costs of NIH grants, which covers expenses associated with facilities and administration, are now capped at 15%. For the U.S. Department of Education, announced cuts include the cancellation of some grants. As charities face sudden losses, concerned donors might consider donating to these charities at this difficult time. To assist, BBB Wise Giving Alliance has produced a list of BBB Accredited Charities that receive government funding. See below.

    BBB Accredited Charities That Receive Government Funding

    The following BBB Accredited Charities (i.e., meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability) are nationally soliciting organizations that receive some government funding or contract revenue based on the most recent financial statements provided to BBB Wise Giving Alliance.

    This list will be updated as additional groups come to our attention. Please note that for each of the groups on this list, the government support/contract revenue ranges anywhere from 1% to 86% of the organization’s total revenue. In some cases, support may also include in-kind donations from government, such as food supplies. As these cuts do not equally impact charities, BBB WGA encourages potential donors to also visit the charity’s website to learn more about their current financial circumstances. (Updated 3/24/25)

    Charity Name BBB Accredited Charity Report
    Alight See Report
    American Cancer Society See Report
    American Friends Service Committee See Report
    American Red Cross See Report
    Americares See Report
    amfAR / Foundation for AIDS Research See Report
    Armed Services YMCA of the USA See Report
    Catholic Relief Services See Report
    Christian Relief Services Charities See Report
    Church World Service See Report
    Civil Air Patrol See Report
    Concern Worldwide US See Report
    Corus International See Report
    CURE International See Report
    Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption See Report
    DonorsChoose.org See Report
    Earthwatch Institute See Report
    Elizabeth Glazer Pediatric AIDS Foundation See Report
    Environmental Defense Fund See Report
    Feeding America See Report
    First Nations Development Institute See Report
    Fos Feminista See Report
    Guide Dog Foundation and America’s VetDogs See Report
    Guttmacher Institute See Report
    Habitat for Humanity International See Report
    Heart to Heart International See Report
    Heifer Project International See Report
    Helen Keller Intl  See Report
    Humanity & Inclusion See Report
    ICNA Relief USA See Report
    International Institute for Rural Reconstruction See Report
    International Social Service – USA Branch See Report
    Jane Goodall Institute for Wildlife, Research, Education and Conservation See Report
    Love146 See Report
    March of Dimes See Report
    Marfan Foundation See Report
    Meals on Wheels America See Report
    Medical Teams International See Report
    Mercy Corps See Report
    MiracleFeet See Report
    Mothers Against Drunk Driving See Report
    Muscular Dystrophy Association See Report
    NAMI See Report
    National Center for Missing & Exploited Children See Report
    National Council on Aging See Report
    National Forest Foundation See Report
    National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts See Report
    National Kidney Foundation See Report
    National Network to End Domestic Violence See Report
    National Urban League See Report
    National Wildlife Federation See Report
    Nature Conservancy See Report
    Opportunity International See Report
    Pacific Crest Trail Association See Report
    Pan African Sanctuary Alliance See Report
    Plan International USA See Report
    Prevent Blindness See Report
    Project HOPE – The People-to-People Health Foundation See Report
    Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network /RAINN See Report
    Salvation Army – Southern Territory See Report
    Save the Children See Report
    Sharsheret See Report
    Student Conservation Association See Report
    TechnoServe See Report
    Trickle Up Program See Report
    Trout Unlimited See Report
    World Relief See Report
    World Wildlife Fund See Report
    Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation See Report

    Heart of Giving Podcast: Christa Stelzmuller on How Technology Connects Donors to Water Projects

    This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features a discussion with Christa Stelzmuller, Chief Technology Officer, charity:water (a BBB Accredited Charity) which works to bring clean and safe drinking water to people in developing countries. Christa describes how innovative technology is transforming both global water access and donor engagement.


    Explore Three of Our Latest Reports

    We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

    Finally, remember to let us know by going to give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.